Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900s

[angifogg]

Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

This was passed down to my grandfather who was born in the 1930's, his father had it and passed it down to him. I did some research on the internet and it seems to me that this was used as a cradle hood for infants.

Any ideas would be helpfull - Also if anyone knows what some of the colors and symbols mean that would also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Airborne80]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

This was passed down to my grandfather who was born in the 1930's, his father had it and passed it down to him. I did some research on the internet and it seems to me that this was used as a cradle hood for infants.

Any ideas would be helpfull - Also if anyone knows what some of the colors and symbols mean that would also be greatly appreciated.

I'm sorry that I do not have any answers for you but I must say WOW!!! That is so full of detail and beauty. what a great thing to posess! Thanks for showing it here and I hope that somone can assist you with the questions that you have.

 

[SouthernGirl]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

I couldn't even begin to tell you what it is but it is just awesome. What a great piece of art to pass down. Thanks for showing us.

 

[PrimitiveOne]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

Just beautiful!!!

 

[mad.co.walker]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

maybe you should take it to an artifact show or a local museum for help. nice piece of history.from what i know each tribe had their own meanings for colors and symbols. once you id the tribal symbols im sure it will be helpful. the three symbols that look like a "pyramid" could represent a mound buliding tribe. but im only guessing there. good luck and keep us informed.

 

[oldgoat]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

I've seen examples of the cradle board by tribes as diverse as the Iroquois to the Lokota and you have a very fine example of such....like someone said have it into a good museum and have them determine which tribe.....One question, is it beadwork or quills, that can help determine the age....

 

[angifogg]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

I've seen examples of the cradle board by tribes as diverse as the Iroquois to the Lokota and you have a very fine example of such....like someone said have it into a good museum and have them determine which tribe.....One question, is it beadwork or quills, that can help determine the age....

It is beaded with very small almost like seed beads. The shell of the piece is what appears to be hide (not sure if deer or buffalo?). Is there a way to tell from the different hides?

Thanks so much for responding to this post.

 

[buckshot]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

Hey angifogg, I'm not an expert, but i would think your opinion of what you have is probably correct.
It would be a good idea to have it authenticated by a knowledgeable museum. Looks to need some minimal conservation efforts, but would be a worthwhile benefit for this item...
Possibly Plains/Northern plains style beadwork... Did your Great-grand father have any travels West of the of the Mississippi in the area of the plains in the later part of 19th century?
Very nice item...
buckshot

 

[Treasure Hounds]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

Your grandfather was very lucky to inherit this. What a beautiful piece of history!

 

[iowa trout]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

Amazing when stuff like this survives if so, the leather flap in the 3rd pic appears thick deer hide is rather thin compared to elk or bison .Thanks for sharing

 

[RGINN]

Re: Is this an Indian Cradle Hood? Can date back to early 1900's

That's very nice but it's one of those things you almost have to be there in person to date it and assign a tribe. I'm no expert whatsoever, but I do know how to do beadwork. I have some excellent reference books that would help us on this, but I'm moving and can't get to them right now. I can tell you this. It's beadwork, not quillwork. I believe it is a northern Plains style. The Araphoes were very fond of that light blue, but I've seen a lot of that pink used by the Sioux. It's done in a lazy stitch and I like the way they turned the edges. The triangle shapes are said to represent mountains, not mounds. From the pics, it looks like it's sewn with thread and not sinew, so that would date it around 1900. It's not Kiowa, I can tell you that. For some reason I think Crow when looking at it. An expert will look at whether the hide is brain tanned or chemical tanned, the type of seed beads used and other materials. As to the cradleboard, I know a girl that makes those and it's all one piece. I am only familiar with Southern Plains cradleboards, so the northern tribes or the western tribes might have a different style. If it is a cover for a cradle board, the work shows that the baby was very well thought of and the mother was excellent at her craft. That's all I know, which ain't much help. When I get sorted out, I'll check my books. Until then 'get thee to a museum'.